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RSU 9 superintendent announces retirement

4 mins read
Superintendent Thomas Ward

FARMINGTON – The superintendent of Regional School Unit 9, Thomas Ward, announced his retirement this week after 41 years in the field of education.

Ward graduated from Mt. Blue himself in 1972, pursuing a career in the realm of education after drawing inspiration from the teachers and administration around him.

“I always loved my principals. I learned a lot from them. They were always very people oriented. They showed me that if you treat people fairly and with respect, and if you support your staff and believe in them, they will turn that around and be a positive influence on the students. That has remained my philosophy throughout the years,” Ward said.

Of the 41 years, Ward has spent 21 of them with RSU 9. Other districts have included RSU 10, SAD 21 and SAD 35. Ward has worn many hats over the years, ranging from coach to assistant principal to his final position of RSU 9 superintendent which he accepted in 2013.

In the five years Ward has worked for RSU 9 he has been involved in a number of changes in staff, curriculum and creating new opportunities for the students such as an international exchange program.

“Every decision I’ve made has been fueled by what is best for the kids. They keep me energized and I will miss that immensely,” Ward said.

Specifically, Ward has been a huge advocate for students who struggle with the school setting, creating a Day Treatment program to meet the needs of students who require extra attention. Ward grew up living in extreme poverty, and was the first in his family to go on to college.

“I’ve always tried to work hard for the students who are living in poverty, who are struggling or have discipline problems … I’ve always tried to get to the bottom of what is really going on for them. The times that I have had to discipline a student, even if I had to suspend them, they’ve left my office feeling better about their future,” he said.

At age 63, Ward said he is ready for a less stressful job. Ward said 37 years in administration didn’t exactly help his stress levels, and in fact had a negative impact on his health according to his doctors.

“It’s a real hit in the head when your doctors tell you you have Stage 3 Kidney Disease,” Ward said.

Ward has battled high blood calcium for 40 years, but things have gotten worse with his demanding position. Ward’s doctors have encouraged him to find something more relaxing to do in order to slow down the disease.

“I want to thank everyone for the tremendous support they have shown through all of this- through the budget, and now with my retirement. I am overwhelmingly appreciative. This has always been a great district and will continue to be long after I’m gone,” Ward said.

“I assure you that I will always bleed blue and gold,” Ward wrote in his retirement letter to the district.

The school board will begin the process of searching for Ward’s replacement at their January meeting. Even with a six month notice, the timeline is tight, Ward said.

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22 Comments

  1. Dr. Tom;
    First as a parent and later as a teacher in the district, I have always appreciated your level-headed sense of fairness, dedication and hard work. Thank you for all you have done for the teachers and children of Mt. Blue RSU. These last couple of years have been particularly trying and I am hopeful that you will enjoy a much needed (and well-earned) rest. Be well!

  2. It was my daughter’s last two months of high school. In those last weeks, it felt like EVERY night there was an event or performance to attend because my daughter was involved in so many things: orchestra concert, chorus concert, the Flipsides, Franklin County Fiddlers, Curtain Raisers, Honors banquet, Yeti Airband, Scholarship/Awards night, a few others I can’t think of, baccalaureate, and finally graduation. As I’d arrive at each event, there was Dr. Tom greeting families as they entered the building. If I had “subbed” at the high school that day, I would think, “Wow, he’s still here!” When I was seated for a performance, say of the Fiddlers, I would always look for Dr. Tom and what I would see in his face, each time I found him, was “pride” – pride in and love for his students. He watched, listened, and loved those students. As a parent, it meant the world to me.

    Thank you for all your efforts in support of the students of RSU 9 and congratulations on your much-deserved retirement Dr. Tom. And be well!

  3. Fact- Because of Tom Ward I finished High School
    Fact- Because of Tom Ward I went to College
    Fact- Because of the drive he pushed towards his students, It kept me driving to improve when college was not a fit, so into the service I went.
    When Dr Tom applied for the Superintendent of RSU 9, I knew my son was in the correct school.
    Another Fact, there is no Superintendent that attends so many kids events!
    RSU 9 can never replace this man. He will be missed.
    Dr. Tom, hold your head high, you have made positive impacts in countless young men and womens lives.

    I Thank you.

    Garold Haines
    Class of 1990

  4. He is a wonderful impact on Mt Blue RSD. It is very hard to see him go because he has brought this district so far! As part of the student body, he is always there for academic assemblies, he was there at our School Spirit Challenge! He was there when we had our celebration for donut day! He is a man of love! He loves each one of us (student body), doesn’t matter who we are and what we have come from! He has always had a smile on his face and always a friendly man to talk to. It is very upsetting when I walk across the stage in two years that he will not be standing there. Dr. Tom is the reason why I have started following the school board and the budget. Dr. Tom is a wonderful person and he was always hear to encourage each one of us! He will be missed very much. Thank you so much, Dr. Tom!

  5. Let’s hope the next superintendent has the same amount of backbone and thick skin to advocate for the students in that school district. Many people have the vision and knowledge of the right thing to do, but few have the courage to do the right thing in the face of vicious and personal attacks.

    Good luck Dr. Ward and well done.

  6. Thank you for a job well done.Get healthy and enjoy your retirement. Hopefully we’ll continue to see you at the Cougar sporting events.

  7. My family thanks you for what you have done for the students of this district. Every time you showed up at a traack meet to support our kids you made my son smile. You changed his whole prespective on sports education and administration he actually felt comfortable within the walls of Mt. Blue. You will have forever impacted him Thank you for you time with our schools enjoy retirement.

  8. Thank you (and your family) for sharing so much of yourself with all of us – we all love you and will keep you in our prayers.

  9. Congratulations to Dr. Tom upon his retirement from a distinguished career in education that has affected the lives of so many.

    Dr. Tom’s example of professionalism, dedication to purpose and community, and awareness of the importance of nurturing relationships will be one for the books in our collective memories.

    To conceive of such a busy, high-level administrative professional performing the content of his work at such a consistently high level year-after-year, decade-after-decade and somehow finding the time to show up for countless concerts, matches, games, presentations – be they at-home or away – weekday or weekend – all in support of our children, their parents/families, RSU 9 teachers and staff, and our community – exemplifies his commitment and nature.

    Dr. Tom – our family thanks you for your career of dedicated work and sincere commitment to the education and welfare of our children.

    Please take good care of yourself.

    David, Heather, Zoe, Gretchen.

  10. I kind of feel sad for whoever will come after Dr. Ward. He is fantastic and always has the needs of the students in his mind. I wish you all the best, Tom!

  11. It has been said that people sometimes don’t realize what they had until it’s gone. I was told that when you point fingers at something, that you have three pointing back at you, and I have learned in my life that it is not easy to be a leader.
    He has earned my respect. My Son goes to Mt. Blue and he respects him also. Good Luck Dr. Tom. Thank you for your unselfish dedication.

  12. Tom thanks for helping us get in compliance with the dyer trust fund, I appreciate your ability to always listen, and provide a answer. We may not always agree on budgets,or policies but at the end of the day, I know I can refer to you as a friend. Enjoy your retirement

  13. Tom, congratulations on a terrific career. I wish you the best. It was great to work with and for you. Relax and enjoy.

  14. SAD 9 supplied a great basic education for our 4 children who went on graduate from Stonehill (2), Simmons, UMF and Yale. They have all had great careers, great lives and produced 11 great grandkids. And of course Juniper taught at the New Sharon School for years and still volunteers every week after retiring.

    Local residents get upset regarding the cost to the towns of SAD9 and now RSU 9, even though our local administration has relatively little impact on costs, as they must follow State and Federal rules and regulations.

    Good luck to you going forward, and thanks from Mandy, Becky, Sarah and Biscuit.

  15. Tom was one of my contact people when I covered the SAD 9 board and administration for a newspaper back in the 90’s before he left for Marshwood. He always answered questions in a responsible and honest manner. Since his return, he’s always been good to talk with any time I’ve seen him at a school function. Enjoy your time with whatever more relaxing activities come your way, Tom.

  16. Mr. Ward: Good luck to you and whatever the future holds for you. I admire you for all that you have done with each and every student you have encountered. Here is hoping for a relaxing and well deserved retirement. ( Kim Flint, Class of 1993)

  17. Best of luck, to you, Dr. Tom. Thank you for all you did here. I know it wasn’t easy, and was often unfairly ugly. You’re a man of courage, conviction and class. Especially class. You always had my children’s interests in mind, knew them by name, and took the time to be more than just an administrator. I’m grateful to you for that.

  18. Dr. Tom,
    Thank you for your service to our children, staff, and community. Dan and I worked with you. You were Danny”s wrestling coach. Be healthy and enjoy your retirement. You have earned it.

  19. Way to go brother Tom !!

    Very choked up after reading the nice words from all of the folks who took the time to chime in on your announcement. I think I can speak for the rest of the Ward clan in thanking all of you in RSU 9 for recognizing a real “stand up” individual who believes in and totally delivers on his words with deeds. All the best brother as you turn over the reins of RSU 9 and retire/relax and concentrate on your health and family.

    My highest respect and regards to all of the RSU 9 family!!

    Sincerely,

    Lt. Colonel Harry Ward, USMC (Ret.)

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